Chemo Round One, Day Three...
Reflections on the past couple days.
I have amazing friends and family. Thanks for Shell, Mel and Mom for the cooking! Will and I have both eaten well, even if that means different things for each of us. For me, it means there was food tempting enough to get me to eat. Nausea meds rock and really helped the first couple days. As of today I'm off them, and while I'm not hungry, I kind of want to eat. If you know me, you know I pretty much always want to eat, so this is a change lol. Coffee, dark chocolate and anything really strong and bitter sound terrible; this is also weird to me. But, I have been exploring new teas. Rooibos and mint are up there. Classic black teas are not cutting it. I also had a recommendations for ginger (thanks JJ), so I'm waiting on that one to arrive.
Another side effect of chemo is decreased white blood cell counts, which mean reduced immunity. In order to get that up, they shot me with Neulasta, a white blood cell stimulant (basically) the day after. I think it's working because many of my bones protested. Weirdly, claritin is supposed to help. Basically, it could be worse.
And just general fatigue. Chemical warfare in the body apparently takes a toll. So, I'm just resting as much as I can.
BUT! Each day has been a bit better, and I'm doing better today than Thursday or Friday. So, that's wonderful. Not knowing how I am going to feel one day to the next is kind of rough, so I'm hoping this is somewhat of a blueprint for how the next three treatments will go. Wait...I have to poison myself three more times!? Ok, well, I won't be as bubbly about it next time. But, it's totally worth it. I keep thinking of all the people who have gone ahead of me and how tough they are!
Also to the other types of support. I have lovely colleagues who have offered lots of support and already covered a couple classes for me. I don't even know how this would work without that kind of help. Survivors, who I may not even know well who have offered support, a friendly comment, and just general information. I'll be relying on that too. My dad who has worked to find us someone to build a fence for the pup. And Marie & Josh for pup sitting for a few days while Will was out of town- that was a huge help. Also, Hermes has been a chill pup throughout. And just general support.
I have amazing friends and family. Thanks for Shell, Mel and Mom for the cooking! Will and I have both eaten well, even if that means different things for each of us. For me, it means there was food tempting enough to get me to eat. Nausea meds rock and really helped the first couple days. As of today I'm off them, and while I'm not hungry, I kind of want to eat. If you know me, you know I pretty much always want to eat, so this is a change lol. Coffee, dark chocolate and anything really strong and bitter sound terrible; this is also weird to me. But, I have been exploring new teas. Rooibos and mint are up there. Classic black teas are not cutting it. I also had a recommendations for ginger (thanks JJ), so I'm waiting on that one to arrive.
Another side effect of chemo is decreased white blood cell counts, which mean reduced immunity. In order to get that up, they shot me with Neulasta, a white blood cell stimulant (basically) the day after. I think it's working because many of my bones protested. Weirdly, claritin is supposed to help. Basically, it could be worse.
And just general fatigue. Chemical warfare in the body apparently takes a toll. So, I'm just resting as much as I can.
BUT! Each day has been a bit better, and I'm doing better today than Thursday or Friday. So, that's wonderful. Not knowing how I am going to feel one day to the next is kind of rough, so I'm hoping this is somewhat of a blueprint for how the next three treatments will go. Wait...I have to poison myself three more times!? Ok, well, I won't be as bubbly about it next time. But, it's totally worth it. I keep thinking of all the people who have gone ahead of me and how tough they are!
Also to the other types of support. I have lovely colleagues who have offered lots of support and already covered a couple classes for me. I don't even know how this would work without that kind of help. Survivors, who I may not even know well who have offered support, a friendly comment, and just general information. I'll be relying on that too. My dad who has worked to find us someone to build a fence for the pup. And Marie & Josh for pup sitting for a few days while Will was out of town- that was a huge help. Also, Hermes has been a chill pup throughout. And just general support.
Comments
On a personal note, your perseverance and fantastic attitude remind me of my mom and I admire your strength! That is what will get you through this! And if you think of anything I could do to help you get through, please ask. Also, if you're still having insomnia, you can call or text me anytime. Seriously, I'm usually up. I'm happy to talk for hours in the middle of the night.